Local business stars take top awards

Young Enterprise NI – the leading business education charity – recognised local young entrepreneurs from Ceara School at their annual Trade Fair at Rushmere Shopping Centre.

These students with special needs are taking part in the Young Enterprise ‘Team Programme’.

Lurgan Junior High students started their Young Enterprise business 'Captain Yellow' as part of the Company Programme. Students Clara Nunes and Sophie Kerr, pictured with Sydney Anderson MLA, David Simpson MP, Martin Walsh (Centre Manager, Rushmere Shopping Centre. and Young Enterprise Ambassador Maria Doran at the Trade Fair at Rushmere Shopping Centre.'Lurgan St Marys QuickStart.JPG' St Mary's High School students started 5 businesses as part of the Young Enterprise NI QuickStart Programme display their products at the Trade Fair at Rushmere Shopping Centre. Ella Beatty, Sadika Awnis, Meadhbh Anderson, Abbie Walter and Beth Doris representing their companies Be Mine, Made With Love, Lovey Bears, Wee Minnies and Beadz.

They have spent much of the academic year developing businesses as they learn new skills in entrepreneurship and business management. The trade fair provides an opportunity for businesses to bring their products to market and test their sales skills by trading with the general public.

The Ceara School business named ‘The Rainbow Company’ sold hand decorated shopping bags, potted plants and other novelty gift ideas.

Students from St Paul’s High School, Lurgan Junior High School and St Mary’s High School were also in attendance with their businesses. ‘Rushmere Shopping Centre’s Martin Walsh hosted the event, commenting “Northern Ireland is brimming with young, entrepreneurial talent and it’s vital that we provide them with an outlet to showcase what they have to offer and to assist them in building up their knowledge and know-how to succeed.

“Rushmere Shopping Centre is proud to be asked to provide that platform and we look forward to supporting their efforts not just today but through their future careers.”

St Mary's High School students Ella Beatty, Sadika Awnis, Meadhbh Anderson, Abbie Walter and Beth Doris representing their companies Be Mine, Made With Love, Lovey Bears, Wee Minnies and Beadz.

UUP MLA Jo-Anne Dobson said: “It was a real treat to walk around the stands and see the dedication which the students put into both designing their products and ideas, organising their marketing and also arranging their stands.”

St Paul's Junior High School students' Young Enterprise company Marc Comiskey, Sean Loughrin and Ethan McCorry at the Trade Fair at Rushmere Shopping Centre.